Miami Developer Acquitted in 2022 Boat Crash Case
George Pino, a Miami real estate developer, was found not guilty in connection with a tragic boat crash. This incident occurred off Boca Chita Key in Biscayne Bay in September 2022. The collision resulted in the death of Lucy Fernandez, a teenager, and left Katy Puig, another teen, with permanent disabilities.
The verdict was delivered on Monday. Pino, 55, faced charges of second-degree manslaughter and vessel homicide. These charges stemmed from the crash that killed 17-year-old Fernandez and severely injured then-20-year-old Puig. NBC 6 reported on the eight days of emotional testimony that took place in South Florida.
During closing arguments, prosecutors claimed Pino acted recklessly on Labor Day weekend in 2022. They argued he crashed his boat into a channel marker. The defense countered this claim, asserting the collision was accidental.
We are grateful to the jurors for their careful consideration of the evidence and for reaching a just verdict,
said Howard Srebnick, Pino’s lead defense attorney. He emphasized that testimony showed Pino had no signs of impairment and did not operate the vessel recklessly. Srebnick highlighted Pino’s actions aimed at protecting his passengers after the crash.
Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez-Rundle expressed her disappointment but accepted the jury’s decision. She noted the community recognizes the tragic nature of the incident involving Fernandez’s death and Puig’s severe injuries. Despite believing Pino’s actions to be reckless, the jury did not concur.
On the day of the crash, Sept. 4, 2022, Pino hosted a birthday celebration for his daughter on the boat. While returning to the dock, investigators said Pino cited a large wake from another boat. When he turned to check on the teenagers, his boat collided with a channel marker near Boca Chita Key.
The collision caused all passengers to fall overboard, and a large hole formed in the vessel’s side. Eleven of the 14 passengers sustained injuries. Six of them required hospitalization. Fernandez succumbed to her injuries, and Puig suffered a traumatic brain injury, leading to lifelong disabilities.